7 DJs tell us how to get a gig in Ibiza

2010 was my first summer on the island. I came over with a few guaranteed gigs, although I knew it wouldn’t be enough to support me for the entire season. As soon as we arrived, one of my mates and I got work painting this new nightclub in Figueretas. After two weeks, the guy who owned the club told us he’d lost all his money and couldn’t afford to pay us! I ended up moving to San Antonio, staying with four of my other mates who were all on holiday at the time. That got me two weeks free accommodation, in which time I managed to get a gig at Ibiza Rocks Bar, which in turn got me a few slots at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel, doing the nighttime gigs and a few pool parties.

But I was lucky, I knew people – I think that was it. Relationships build relationships. If there’s a venue you really want to get a gig in then you have to get to know the people who are already working there. Not only the other DJs, but also the staff. Keep going back and chatting to them. That’s how I met Jordan Hallpike, the Ibiza Rocks booker. Those kinds of connections present opportunities.

And another thing: when you eventually get these gigs, make sure you turn up! The bar owners and the promoters want to see commitment. They want people who are solid and who are going to turn up and get their set done even when they’re in a shit state.

I don’t do it now I’m older, but when I was younger, I’ll admit it, I went to some of my early Ibiza gigs absolutely hanging. In Ibiza, that scenario is quite common. But I always went and got the job done and that’s what the promoters and the bar owners need to see. Once you get a DJ residency you have to look after it.